Greece has fallen out of the world’s top 50 startup ecosystems, dropping to 51st place in StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026. The country also slipped in Europe, ranking 29th, down from 27th in 2025.

According to the report, this is Greece’s lowest global position since 2022. The decline came despite positive annual ecosystem growth of 4.8 percent. However, that rate was well below the global average, meaning Greece lost ground as other startup ecosystems expanded more rapidly.

StartupBlink’s 2026 index ranks 1,556 cities and 100 countries, using indicators linked to startup quantity, quality, and the wider business environment. For Greece, the findings show a mixed picture: the country has recognizable startup successes, a sizeable ecosystem value, and improving policy tools, but its global momentum has slowed.

Greece’s business conditions are stronger than its startup outcomes

One of the clearest findings is the gap between Greece’s business environment and its overall startup ranking. Greece ranks 33rd among 125 countries in the Innovators Business Environment Index, significantly higher than its 51st position in the main startup ecosystem ranking.

This suggests that Greece has relatively strong underlying conditions for innovators, but these conditions have not yet fully translated into stronger startup ecosystem performance. The report estimates Greece’s startup ecosystem value at $12.1 billion. The country has two unicorns and three cities in the global top 1,000 startup cities.

Athens remains Greece’s dominant startup hub but weighs on national performance

Athens continues to dominate Greece’s startup scene, but its weaker performance was a major reason behind the country’s fall in the global ranking. The Greek capital dropped 17 places to 134th globally, after recording negative growth of 4.8 percent. In the Balkans, Athens also fell one position to third overall.

Despite this decline, Athens remains one of the region’s most mature startup ecosystems. The city leads the Balkans in the Ecosystem Maturity functional category, reflecting its track record in producing startup outcomes. StartupBlink also describes Greece’s level of ecosystem centralization as healthy. Athens scores 7.4 times higher than Thessaloniki, a ratio that points to a strong national hub while still leaving room for secondary cities to grow.

Thessaloniki grows although Heraklion records Greece’s strongest growth

Thessaloniki posted strong annual growth of 29.1 percent but still fell four places to 443rd globally because other cities advanced faster.

Heraklion, however, delivered Greece’s strongest city-level result. The port city of Crete climbed 89 places to 771st worldwide, with annual growth of 64.5 percent. That was the highest growth rate among Greek startup cities in the 2026 index. Heraklion’s performance shows that startup activity outside Athens is becoming increasingly visible even though the capital remains the country’s main innovation center.

Greece’s startup ecosystem ranks fifth in Southern Europe

Greece ranks fifth overall in Southern Europe. It performs slightly better in the Ecosystem Value functional category, where it ranks fourth in the subregion. In the Balkans, Greece ranks third overall, one place lower than last year. However, it performs better in specific sectors, ranking second in the region for both Fintech and Social & Leisure.

These sectoral rankings highlight areas where Greece has a stronger regional position, especially in financial technology and consumer-facing digital services.

Viva Wallet and PeopleCert remain Greece’s startup champions

The report identifies Viva Wallet and PeopleCert as Greece’s main startup ecosystem champions. Both are based in Athens and are privately valued at over $1 billion. Viva Wallet has a StartupBlink score of 570, while PeopleCert has a score of 277.

Viva Wallet became one of Greece’s most important startup success stories after JPMorgan acquired a 48.5 percent stake in the fintech company in 2022 in a deal valued at $2 billion. The transaction confirmed Viva Wallet’s status as Greece’s second unicorn and was described in the report as the country’s largest-ever startup deal.

PeopleCert crossed the $1 billion valuation mark in 2021 after acquiring AXELOS for approximately $525 million.

EquiFund, Elevate Greece, and NBG Business Seeds helped shape ecosystem

StartupBlink also points to several initiatives that have shaped Greece’s startup ecosystem over the past decade and a half. The National Bank of Greece launched NBG Business Seeds in 2010, with the report describing it as the country’s longest-running startup innovation competition.

Six years later, Greece and the European Investment Fund signed EquiFund, a fund-of-funds of approximately $290 million designed to help establish the country’s first professional venture capital market. Another important step came in 2020, when the Greek government launched Elevate Greece, the official national startup registry.

The platform gives startups access to state benefits, investor visibility, angel investor tax incentives, and Golden Visa eligibility. The report also names the National Bank of Greece / NBG Business Seeds, Elevate Greece, and Enterprise Greece as notable startup ecosystem builders.

Enterprise Greece is described as the country’s official investment and trade promotion agency, actively promoting the Greek startup ecosystem to international investors and supporting foreign founders through licensing and strategic investment frameworks.

New tax incentives and startup Golden Visa aim to attract capital

Recent policy developments also form part of the broader picture. In 2025, Greece introduced new tax incentives for angel investors, expanding the deduction cap to approximately $980 million, and launched a startup Golden Visa program. These measures are intended to attract startup investment and entrepreneurial talent.

In 2024, Greece, in partnership with the European Investment Fund, launched the EquiFund II equity mandate, with a focus on life sciences, health, and sustainability. Together, these initiatives indicate that Greece continues to strengthen the financial and policy framework supporting startups, even as its global ranking has declined.

Greece’s main challenge is faster startup ecosystem growth

The StartupBlink 2026 ranking does not depict Greece as a weak startup ecosystem. The country has two major startups valued above $1 billion, a total ecosystem value of $12.1 billion, strong business environment conditions, and clear institutional support.

The core issue is pace. Greece has grown but not quickly enough compared with global competitors. The contraction in Athens had a direct impact on the national ranking, while Thessaloniki and Heraklion demonstrate that regional ecosystems are still in a phase of development.

According to Greece’s Fire Service on Monday, sixty-four forest fires broke out across the country in the last two days, as rising temperatures heightened fire risk, with officials attributing most incidents to negligence during outdoor work and other activities.

Early assessments suggest that human carelessness is the primary cause in most cases. Specialized investigative units are currently examining each incident to establish the exact cause and determine responsibility where appropriate.

Heat and negligence heighten risk of forest fires across Greece

Officials said recent high temperatures have increased the risk of ignition and allowed fires to spread more rapidly. However, firefighting forces managed to bring most blazes under control at an early stage through rapid intervention.

The Hellenic Fire Service noted that the swift response prevented the fires from reaching populated areas, highlighting the importance of immediate mobilization in the critical moments after a fire breaks out.

The warning comes as Greece enters a particularly dangerous period for forest fire activity, when dry vegetation, rising temperatures, and local winds can quickly turn even a small spark into a fast-moving blaze.

Hundreds of fines and dozens of arrests since January

Authorities have stepped up enforcement of fire prevention regulations since the beginning of the year. From January 1 through June 7, they imposed 402 administrative fines across Greece, totaling around €383,395 ($442,500). During the same period, authorities made seventy-one arrests as called for under procedures for violations of fire prevention legislation.

The figures reflect a broader effort to discourage risky behavior before it leads to larger fires, particularly during periods when weather conditions make the natural environment more vulnerable.

Fire service urges public to avoid risky outdoor activity

The Fire Service has called on citizens to exercise extreme caution during outdoor activities, particularly those involving sparks, flames, machinery, burning materials, or labor near dry grass and forested areas.

Officials emphasized that most forest fires can be prevented by adhering to basic safety rules and avoiding actions that could ignite a blaze. “Attention from everyone is crucial for protecting human life, property, and the natural environment,” Greek authorities said.

Greece braces for forest fires as summer heat intensifies with expanded resources

The latest warning comes as Greece enters the wildfire season with a significantly reinforced firefighting plan designed to address increasingly intense and unpredictable summer blazes across the country. On the ground, the Hellenic Fire Service currently counts 17,727 permanent and seasonal firefighters, with the force expected to rise to 18,804 by the end of the year. More than 4,300 vehicles support this expanded manpower, enabling faster deployment and tactical assistance to regional units across both mainland and island areas.

Specialized forest commando units are expected to play a central role in this year’s strategy. These teams are trained to operate in challenging and inaccessible terrain where conventional firefighting forces may struggle to intervene quickly. The elite corps now consists of twenty-one units with 1,450 personnel, marking a sharp expansion compared to 2022, when the program began with just six units.

Greece has also strengthened its aerial firefighting capacity, with eighty to eighty-five aircraft expected to be available daily during the high-risk season, including thirty-three state-owned aircraft and fifty-one leased planes. These resources are intended to support rapid aerial containment, particularly in the critical early stages of a forest fire.

Authorities are increasingly relying on technology as well, including an expanded drone fleet, to improve surveillance and early detection in vulnerable areas. The goal is to identify smoke, heat signatures, or suspicious activity before fires spread, allowing Civil Protection and fire services to coordinate a faster response.

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has officially declared the Granicus Battlefield—where Alexander the Great secured his first major victory against the Persian Empire—a “protected historical and archaeological site.”

According to a ministry announcement and statements shared on social media by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the decision was based on recent archaeological discoveries and scientific studies in the Biga district of Çanakkale (Dardanelles).

Following extensive field surveys, scientific data evaluation, and the analysis of ancient sources linked to the Battle of the Granicus, the Çanakkale Regional Council for the Conservation of Cultural Property determined that the area meets all criteria for designation as an archaeological site.

The ministry highlighted the location as one of the most iconic landmarks in military history, marking the definitive starting point of Alexander the Great’s triumph over the Persian Empire.

Battle of the Granicus: “A Turning Point in World History”

In a social media post, Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated:

“We have officially placed the grounds of a battle that reshaped world history under state protection. The Granicus Battlefield, where Alexander the Great achieved his first major victory against the Persians and paved his way into Asia, has now been designated a ‘historical site.’ Located in Biga, Çanakkale, this unique landmark is officially protected in light of archaeological finds and rigorous scientific research. We believe this crucial step will significantly contribute to historical scholarship, boost cultural tourism, and enrich our country’s cultural routes.”

The Battle of Granicus

The Battle of the Granicus, fought in May 334 BC near modern-day Biga in northwestern Turkey, was Alexander the Great’s dramatic opening salvo against the Persian Empire. Having recently crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor with roughly 32,000 infantry and 5,100 cavalry, the 21-year-old Macedonian king confronted a combined force of local Persian satraps (governors) and highly capable Greek mercenaries.

The Persians, positioned defensively along the steep, muddy eastern banks of the Granicus River, hoped to neutralize Alexander’s aggressive tactical style by forcing him to fight from a disadvantageous position in the water. Rejecting the cautious advice of his veteran general Parmenion to delay the attack, Alexander ordered an immediate, highly risky amphibious assault in broad daylight.

The engagement quickly devolved into a chaotic, brutal melee within the riverbed and up the muddy slopes. Alexander personally led the elite Companion Cavalry from the right wing, instantly becoming a prime target due to his conspicuous, brightly plumed helmet.

The fighting was so fierce that Alexander was nearly killed; a Persian noble shattered his helmet with a battleaxe, and just as another was about to deliver a fatal blow, his captain Cleitus the Black severed the attacker’s arm, saving the young king’s life.

Once the formidable Macedonian phalanx (infantry formation) crossed the river to support the cavalry, the Persian battle lines shattered. The victory was absolute: the Persian leadership was decimated, the surviving Greek mercenaries were ruthlessly executed or enslaved, and the psychological myth of Persian invincibility was shattered, effectively throwing open the gates of Asia Minor to Alexander’s conquering army.

Related: Archaeologists Identify Location of Alexander the Great’s Battle of Granicus

The Minoan Road, over 3,500 years old, is the oldest known paved road in Europe. It connected the prominent Minoan cities of Knossos, Gortyn, and Lebena on ancient Crete.

Only small sections of the road remain intact today, but this impressive ancient route ran approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) across Crete.

Built during the height of the Minoan civilization, around 1600 BC, the road showcases the advanced engineering skills of the Minoans, who created an infrastructure that supported both daily life and economic activity across Crete.

The road included side drains to handle water runoff, a feature that helped preserve its structure by preventing water damage. Its condition is remarkable for an ancient road.

It was constructed with a solid, 200 mm (8-inch) thick layer of sandstone blocks bound with a clay-gypsum mortar. This sturdy base layer was then topped with basaltic flagstones, providing a durable surface.

The road included defined shoulders, which may have functioned as pedestrian pathways or for animal traffic, keeping it orderly and safe for movement.

Mythical King Minos used the road to talk to Zeus

According to legend, King Minos, the mythical king of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa, set out on this road (then a mere pathway) from Knossos, covering a large part of the way to the sacred cave, to meet his father Zeus and speak with him in person. There, he would learn about the mistakes that had been made and receive oracles concerning the best legislation for the future.

He started from Knossos and ended in the stalagmite cave of Dikteon Andron, located on Mount Dikte of the Ida or Ideon mountains of Crete (the current mountain of Psiloritis).

Minoan Road a crucial link in the Minoan civilization

The Minoan Road was a crucial link in the Minoan civilization’s network, facilitating trade, communication, and cultural exchange across Crete. Knossos, one of its endpoints, was the center of Minoan political and cultural life, while Gortyn and Lebena were significant in both Minoan and later Greek periods.

This road not only attests to the Minoans’ ingenuity but also underscores the role of Crete as a cultural and commercial bridge between the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean.

The Minoan civilization’s infrastructure, especially roads like this, laid the groundwork for the development of European trade routes and road-building techniques in the centuries that followed.

Throughout most of the Bronze Age, the Minoans were the rulers of Crete. Over the course of their civilization, they gradually built up an incredible palace complex at Knossos. This was the most powerful city on the island.

The palace complex at Knossos served temple functions and was also an administrative center.

Ancient Athens’ oldest coins, minted in the period of the Athenian tyranny in the lead up to democracy in the 6th century BC, were created from ores such as silver originating around the world, a recent study suggests, revealing a previously unknown ancient global trade.

The study, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, sheds light on how exiled Peisistratus, who ruled ancient Athens as a tyrant three times, managed to set up silver mining operations in spite of the fact that hostile local tribes controlled the regions and its mines. It has long been argued that Peisistratus sourced the silver from the districts of Mount Pangaion and the Strymon river in northern Greece, followed by the exploitation of mines in Lavrion, near Athens.

Athenian coinage was instigated by Peisitratus, who ruled Athens from 546 to 510 BC. This first series of coins in ancient Athens is known as Wappenmunzen, referring to an array of silver and electrum coins, of which the most important were the ‘horse,’ the ‘gorgon,’ and the ‘wheel,’ each of which had their own variations. They were later replaced by the long-lasting and emblematic design for which Athens’s coinage became best known—the owl of Athena.

Researchers studied 22 ancient coins from Peisistratus’ time, 16 from the Numismatic Museum in Athens and six from the British Museum in London. Apart from silver, the coins contain a mixture of other elements, including copper, zinc, gold and lead. They rubbed these pieces on paper strips to obtain a small quantity of the metals, then used a chemical analysis technique known as gas chromatography (a separation technique using gas flow through a glass or metal column that separates compounds). Lead mined from around the world has different isotopic signatures, reflecting those locations. Therefore the researchers were able to match the coins’ signatures to those held on a lead isotope database, allowing them to pinpoint where the material came from.

The analysis of the data researchers collected shows that the Athenians used a wide and unexpected variety of ore sources for the minting of their first series of coins, ranging from Spain in the west to the south of France, through to Turkey in the east and the Rhodope mountains and Romania in the north—the key finding of the study. Lavrion ores, according to the findings of the researchers, were not found in the 22 sampled Wappenmunzen. 

The authors suggest that Peisistratus must have tapped international connections to mint coins under his rule, while the overall analysis points to undocumented trading relationships and a much more interconnected ancient world.

Athens under Peisistratus, minter of Athens’ first coins

Peisistratus was an ancient Greek statesman who ruled Athens three times as a tyrant. His reforms laid the foundations for the city’s later supremacy in Greece.

Born around 600 BC, he first came to power with a coup in 561 BC and ruled Athens as a tyrant two more times, from 559 to 556 BC and again in 546 until his death in 528 BC. He was very popular with Athenians.

His defense of the lower class of Athens is an early example of populism. While in power, he confronted the aristocracy and significantly reduced their privileges, confiscating their estates and giving them to the poor.

He also funded many religious and artistic programs in order to improve the economy and distribute wealth more equally among Athenians.

Peisistratus’ legacy includes the unification of Attica, the organization of the Panathenaic Games and the first attempt to produce a definitive edition of Homer’s epics (until then hand-written copies were available only to the rich).

The Athenian ruler promoted the cults of Athena and Dionysus and began the construction of the temple to Athena on the Acropolis. He also promoted a number of other public works, including the Lyceum, temples to Apollo and Zeus, and the Fountain of the Nine Springs.

Furthermore, he supported literature and the arts, and the city’s Dionysia festival flourished during his time. The Athenian coinage had been introduced by about 550 BC and may reflect a policy of his, though there is no clear reference of this in contemporary documents.

The Bodossaki Foundation announced the two distinguished Greek scientists honored with the Bodossaki Excellence Award 2026 for their pioneering, internationally recognized life’s work: preeminent theoretical computer scientist Christos Papadimitriou and internationally renowned economist Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg.

The Bodossaki Excellence Award is awarded biennially to Greeks who have dedicated their lives to science. It is accompanied by a cash prize of €100,000 (around $115,500).

In the field of Technological Sciences: The award is presented to Christos Papadimitriou, Donovan Family Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University, USA.

In the field of Social Sciences: The award is presented to Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, William Nordhaus Professor of Economics and Global Affairs at Yale University, USA.

The awards will be presented by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos An. Tasoulas, at an official ceremony to be held on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at Megaron the Athens Concert Hall.

“The objective of the Bodossaki Excellence Award is twofold: to serve as our country’s most elevated scientific recognition for Greek scientists who have expanded the frontiers of knowledge, and to showcase crucial role models for the generations to come,” notes Athina Dessypri, President of the Board of Trustees of the Bodossaki Foundation.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ms. Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg and Mr. Christos Papadimitriou into the prestigious circle of the institution’s laureates.”

About the Bodossaki Foundation laureates’ scientific contributions

Christos Papadimitriou: The Limits of Computation

Christos Papadimitriou has had a decisive influence on theoretical computer science, shaping the language and tools on which modern algorithmic design is based.

Foundations of Complexity: His early research laid the mathematical foundations of computational complexity theory—the study of what computers can and cannot solve efficiently. He pioneered the study of approximation algorithms and computationally intractable problems, such as finding equilibrium points in games.

Interdisciplinary Pioneer: Over the last three decades, he has used computational theory as an interpretive tool for other sciences. He is a founder of algorithmic game theory (crucial to our understanding of the Internet) and has since expanded his research into biology, evolutionary theory, the human brain, and artificial intelligence.

Public Engagement: Beyond academia, he has popularized modern computational theory among students and the broader public through both foundational textbooks and acclaimed novels.

Academic Background: A graduate of the National Technical University of Athens and Princeton, he has taught at Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UCSD, UC Berkeley, and Columbia University. He is a full member of the Academy of Athens, the US National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Engineering.

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg: Empirical Analysis of Global Trade and Development

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg is a leading researcher in the empirical analysis of global trade policy, focusing on international trade, inequality, and development.

Measuring Globalization: By combining microeconomic data with structural economic models, she has produced critical estimates regarding the impact of globalization on social well-being and the unequal distribution of its benefits both between and within countries.

Nuanced Trade Impacts: Her work has demonstrated that the effects of trade liberalization are not uniform; rather, they depend on market structures, competition, institutional conditions, and domestic policies.

Global Leadership: As Chief Economist of the World Bank (2018–2020), she enhanced research transparency and promoted evidence-based policy design. She has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the American Economic Review and President of the Econometric Society.

Current Focus: Her recent work analyzes shifts in globalization—including the US-China trade war and the resurgence of industrial policy—as well as the role of gender-based distortions in restricting economic growth.

Academic Background: She studied at the University of Freiburg and completed her Ph.D. at Stanford. She has held tenured professorships at Princeton, Columbia, and Yale. She is a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and an International Fellow of the British Academy.

Related: 10 Foundations Join Forces to Help Start-Ups, Non-Profits in Greece

The Alpha Omega Council of Boston hosted recently its 7th annual Greek Heritage Night at Fenway Park, welcoming an estimated 5,000 Greek-Americans to the stadium to watch the Boston Red Sox take on the Atlanta Braves.

The annual event serves as a major fundraiser for the Alpha Omega Council, a Greek-American organization dedicated to cultivating the ideals of Hellenism, philanthropy, and fellowship. This year’s celebration paid tribute to the memory of baseball legend Harry Agganis, nicknamed “The Golden Greek,” and raised vital funds for the Metropolis of Boston Camp (MBC). Net proceeds from a sold-out block of 2,400 tickets will directly benefit the MBC Gym Field House Project, currently underway at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire.

A Celebration of Culture on Jersey Street

Greek Heritage Night transformed Fenway Park into a vibrant celebration of culture. Prior to first pitch, a Heritage Pregame Ceremony on Jersey Street featured traditional performances from local Greek dance groups, including the Metropolis of Boston Dance Group, the Boston Lykeion Ellinidon, the Sons & Daughters of Alexander the Great, and the Annunciation Church of Brockton Dance Group.

The festive evening officially kicked off with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem by Dessa Kavrakis, a Grammy Award-winning Greek-American musician and undergraduate student at Harvard University and Berklee College of Music. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by MBC Program Director Louis Stamoulis, followed by an on-field ceremony recognizing a distinguished group of community leaders and athletes.

“Greek Heritage Night with the Boston Red Sox has become a wonderful tradition for the Alpha Omega Council to promote Hellenism and unite thousands of Greek-Americans from across New England,” said Chairperson Christos Chrisafides. “We are blessed to use this platform to raise both awareness and funds for causes that deeply impact our community. It has been an honor to serve as Chairperson, building on the foundation laid by pioneers like Bill Galatis and the Boston AHEPA. Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible cooperation of the Boston Red Sox organization.”

Council President Paul Tsitsopoulos added, “We are thrilled to dedicate this year’s proceeds to the new Field House and Gym Project at the Metropolis of Boston Camp. The camp is a sacred space where generations of Greek-American youth have built lifelong friendships while strengthening their roots. This new facility will expand the camp’s capabilities, allowing it to serve even more youth, especially during the winter months.”

Commemorating community heroes

During the game’s “Hats Off to Heroes” segment, Cretan-native and HELPIS founder and president Joyce Deliyiannis received special recognition. The Color Guard—featuring MBC dance group members Alexander Athanasiou, Christopher Chronopoulos, Evan Meltsakos, Nickolas Potamitis, Harry Theodore, and Paul Tsiomplikas—proudly presented the Greek, American, Massachusetts State, and Alpha Omega Council flags.

Distinguished guests in attendance included His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, who is celebrating 40 years of spiritual leadership in New England and is the visionary behind the Faith and Heritage Center, alongside Chancellor Father Ted Barbas.

The successful event was orchestrated by the Greek Heritage Night planning committee, led by Chairperson Christos Chrisafides and Co-Chair John Mokas, alongside committee members Paul Tsitsopoulos, Costa Sideridis, Nick Rizos, John Pappas, Teddy Demitriades, George Karalis, Kosta Alexis, and Tom Gatzunis.

The Red Sox game capped off a trilogy of major 2024 sports fundraisers for the Council, following highly successful heritage nights with the Boston Celtics on March 20 and the New England Revolution on March 23.

The Alpha Omega Council

The Alpha Omega Council is a non-profit philanthropic organization based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its mission is to promote patriotism and cultivate the ideals of Hellenism by supporting scholarly, athletic, medical, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, and educational activities throughout New England and the United States.

Comprised of professionals across business, academia, medicine, law, and science, the Council has contributed over $2,000,000 to various philanthropic causes since its inception, in addition to its annual Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarship Awards.

Related: Alpha Omega Council Hosts Record-Breaking 2025 Honors Gala

On the remote island of Kastellorizo, the Near & Far Festival, the world’s only cultural event dedicated entirely to the Greek diaspora, returns for its second edition from June 25 to 28, 2026, transforming this historic island into a vibrant crossroads of cultures, people, and experiences.

Spanning four days, this multi-themed festival bridges the “Near” and the “Far,” connecting Greece with its global diaspora, the local community with international audiences, and art with society. The festival is the brainchild of Pericles Kanaris, a New York-based artist with an acclaimed international career. Driven by his vision to create a platform for Greek artists excelling worldwide, Kanaris has turned this ambitious concept into a reality.

Following its spectacular 2025 debut, which local authorities recorded as the highest-attended cultural event in Kastellorizo’s history, the festival returns even stronger, boasting a distinct identity and an expanded program.

Last year’s inaugural event was defined by the exceptional caliber of its performers, the blending of diverse musical traditions, and, most movingly, the active participation of the island’s children—a beautiful legacy that continues this year. Furthermore, a global radio broadcast via ERT’s “Voice of Greece” shattered geographical boundaries, amplifying the festival’s international reach.

In 2026, Near & Far is aiming even higher. This year, the festival aspires to livestream the entire Kastellorizo experience via real-time video to global audiences, forging new bonds with the Greek diaspora and international communities. The event proudly continues its collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy).

Concert Program: 4 Themed Nights

Thursday, June 25 | 21:00 Bridges — ERINI “Fos: An Asia Minor Story”

ERINI, based in the United States with roots from Crete and Asia Minor, presents a musical journey blending traditions and contemporary influences, in collaboration with musicians from Greece.

Friday, June 26 | 21:00 Far Voices — Mario’s Toumbas Jazz Trio “East of the Sun”

Pianist Mario Toumbas and his trio present original compositions and jazz standards in an evening that resonates with the global sound of jazz.

Saturday, June 27 | 21:00 Together — Pericles Kanaris Quartet featuring Andriana Babali, George Karavelatzis & Kastellorizo Kids

Original compositions and arrangements by Pericles Kanaris in a special collaboration with the island’s children. Joining them are beloved singer Andriana Babali and oud player George Karavelatzis, a specialist in the local musical tradition of Kastellorizo.

Sunday, June 28 | 21:00 Near Roots — Costa Latsos “Pappou’s Grammophone”

Tenor Costa Latso, born in Australia to Kastellorizian parents and based in Berlin, presents a program moving between opera, Broadway, and crossover, accompanied by accordionist Thanos Stavridis.

Workshops, activities & parallel Program of the Kastellorizo festival

The Near & Far 2026 festival expands beyond concerts, incorporating educational, experiential, and participatory activities for all ages.

Educational & Creative Workshops (Children)

Visual arts workshop with Heike Kummer (June 25, 11:00–13:00)

Music workshop with Mario Toumbas (June 26, 13:30–15:00)

Wellness & Experiential Activities

Meditation and sound healing sessions for adults (June 27 & 28, 11:00–13:00)

Lecture

Talk by Alexandros Kitroeff on the Greek Diaspora (June 27, 20:00–21:00)

A festival that connects

Near & Far is more than just a festival. It is an open platform for connection, where art becomes a catalyst for bringing people, places, and generations together. A space where Kastellorizo is not on the edge, but at the center of a global cultural dialogue.

With the participation of artists from Greece and the diaspora, and with the active involvement of the local community, Near & Far continues to build a new cultural tradition—vibrant, participatory, and outward-looking.

Armed with metal detectors, treasure hunters roam the landscapes of Greece, where myth and history intertwine. Drawn by whispered legends, ancient texts and the promise of lost riches they delve into the mountains, islands, and forgotten ruins in pursuit of gold, relics and long-lost artifacts.

Treasure hunters are often drawn to locations of great historical significance, with the rugged mountainous regions of Greece being among their preferred destinations. These landscapes, steeped in history and mystery, have long served as silent witnesses to war, upheaval, and human resilience.

Treasure hunters in Greece target mountainous areas

During World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War (1946–1949), many villagers, fearing for their lives and possessions, resorted to hiding their valuables in secret caches. With no access to banks or secure storage facilities in these remote areas, people buried gold coins, jewelry, and family heirlooms deep within the earth or concealed them inside natural enclosures such as caves, stone walls, and hollowed-out tree trunks.

However, the brutal conflicts claimed countless lives and many of those who had hidden their treasures never survived to retrieve them. Over the decades, these hidden fortunes have become the stuff of local folklore, fueling speculation and inspiring generations of treasure hunters to embark on daring quests to uncover the lost wealth of the past.

Even today, rumors persist of forgotten hoards waiting to be discovered, buried beneath the very ground where history was once shaped by war and survival.

Antonis Vlachos stands out among treasure hunters. Not only does he own one of the few specialized shops in Greece that sell sophisticated metal detectors, but he also collaborates closely with the police to prevent illegal activities, such as the unauthorized excavation of ancient artifacts. For him, treasure hunting is more than just a business—it’s a passion, a lifelong hobby that combines adventure with a deep respect for history and the law.

He is also the only one of the treasure hunters who was willing to speak to Greek Reporter.

“Treasure hunters are in their thousands all over Greece. Perhaps most of the activity takes place the Peloponnese, Epirus, and Northern Greece,” he says.

“People have made money out of this activity and understandably they keep a low profile. It’s like winning the lotto. Nobody wants to reveal their identity and the value of the treasure they found.”

The legend of the Ali Pasha treasure

For decades treasure hunters searched for the so-called riches supposedly left behind by Ali Pasha, an Ottoman ruler of Ioannina known for his atrocities (1740–1822).

According to local folklore, Ali Pasha, anticipating his eventual fall from power, concealed vast amounts of treasure in various secret locations across Epirus, Thessaly and western Greece. His personal wealth came from heavy taxation, trade, extortion and alliances with foreign powers (including the British and the French).

Treasure hunters from all over the world began searching for his fortune to no avail. The first organized operation to find the treasure took place in 1913, with the liberation of Ioannina, by an Italian company. For five whole years its workers excavated the surrounding areas without result.

The latest highly publicized case was that of a Greek-Australian treasure hunter, Vangelis Dimas, who financed an excavation to locate the hoard in 2012 in Thessaly.

“It remains a topic of speculation among people, as historically, there is no concrete evidence that such a treasure ever existed,” Vlachos notes.

“Some believe that one of Ali Pasha’s sons took the wealth and fled, but the details of what truly happened—and how—remain unknown. Over time, numerous legends and myths have emerged, though only a small portion of them may be based on actual events,” he adds.

The legend of Ali Pasha is just one of many—“in every coffee shop in the country there is talk of a lost treasure that is supposedly somewhere nearby.”

Maps supposedly showing lost treasures in Greece

Vlachos is not prepared to divulge the value of the treasures that have been unearthed in Greece over the recent decades, but he insists that many people make a good living out of their endeavors. Some people—he says—go to the beaches at night and use metal detectors to search for jewelry lost by bathers in the previous days or even months.

He reveals that maps of supposed buried treasures are circulating among treasure hunters. They are made in a way that makes them look old, to give the impression that they are authentic. “Various crafty people make them and sell them to naive people, from 1,000 euros. I have even heard a price of 15,000 euros.”

Vlachos also says that most gold hunters operate within a legal framework and that illegals are a minority.

To proceed with an excavation, one must have three permits. A permit to possess a metal detector, then they must obtain a research permit, issued by the Ministry of Culture and the local Antiquities Ephorates. For the permit to be issued, a process that can take from three months to a year, the proposed search area must not be located within a designated archeological site.

If any findings emerge during the search, an excavation request is submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Turkey denied that its jets harassed the military aircraft carrying Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his French and Dutch counterparts to Cyprus.

Earlier, it was reported that the “control tower” of the illegal Tymbou Airport in occupied Cyprus attempted to jam the aircrafts’ communications system. Furthermore, according to Philenews, two Turkish F-16 fighter jets scrambled from Tymbou, tracking the official state aircraft of the European ministers from a distance as they headed toward Cyprus.

A statement from the Turkish Presidency said that “claims in certain news media and social media accounts” about such harassment on Sunday and about Turkish warplanes violating Greek airspace were “completely false.”

The statement said that four of the six aircraft heading from Greece to Cyprus “breached the airspace” of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, and as a result two Turkish F-16 fighters took off from the ethnically divided island’s north “as a precaution.”

It said the F-16s did not enter Cypriot airspace and “there was no harassment” of the four aircraft.

The incident took place just hours before France and Cyprus were set to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on Monday, which will allow Paris to station military forces on the island.

France and Cyprus to sign military deployment agreement

The agreement will be signed in Nicosia by French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and her Cypriot counterpart, Vassilis Palmas. Both ministers are scheduled to attend an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defense) on the same day.

The Turkish Cypriot side condemned the agreement as “null, void, and legally invalid.” They expressed concerns that the deal could alter the balance of power on the island, disregard Turkish Cypriot rights, and escalate regional tensions. They further argued that the Republic of Cyprus lacks the authority to sign such an agreement on behalf of the entire island.

Related: Turkey Deploys Six F-16s to Occupied Northern Cyprus

Greek authorities have arrested a 55-year-old Greek-Australian fugitive wanted for a 1999 murder in Sydney, ending a 27-year international manhunt. James Dalamangas, the target of a longstanding Interpol Red Notice, was apprehended in the Peloponnesian town of Aigio, near Patras, where he had been living off the grid under a false identity.

The arrest is a major development in a cold case that has spanned nearly three decades. Dalamangas is the prime suspect in the murder of Greek expatriate George Giannopoulos.

Who did Dalamangas kill in Sydney in 1999

The fatal incident occurred in 1999 at a nightclub in Sydney, Australia. According to the case file, Giannopoulos attempted to act as a peacemaker, stepping in to stop a violent brawl that had erupted between two patrons. During his intervention, Dalamangas allegedly launched a sudden attack, inflicting fatal knife wounds on the victim. While Australian law enforcement issued an arrest warrant within 24 hours of the stabbing, the suspect managed to flee Australia and escape to Greece before he could be detained.

For 27 years, Dalamangas lived undetected in the Aigialeia region, specifically in the Alsos community. He adopted the alias “Antonios Tzimas” to integrate into the local society, leaning on his family ties to the area, as his mother originally hailed from the nearby village of Temeni.

To maintain his cover, he resided in a property described by local media as a fortress. The house was entirely enclosed by high walls and guarded by a large pack of aggressive dogs, apparently a deliberate measure designed to prevent anyone from approaching the premises uninvited.

Greek police recently obtained significant intelligence regarding his exact whereabouts and initiated a strict stakeout. Officers maintained continuous surveillance outside the fortified compound for three days, waiting for the suspect to make a mistake. The operation concluded successfully when Dalamangas exited the property, accompanied by his father and his partner.

Officers immediately intercepted the group and requested identification. The 55-year-old initially stuck to his cover story, giving his alias. Because authorities possessed concrete proof regarding his true identity, they brought him in for further questioning. Faced with persistent interrogation at the police station, he ultimately confessed to being the fugitive wanted by Australian authorities since 1999. Following the admission, investigators searched the Aigio property to determine if he possessed additional forged documents. The search yielded a crossbow and various sharp objects.

What will happen to Dalamangas now

Dalamangas is currently held at the Aigio police headquarters. He is scheduled to appear before the appeals prosecutor in Patras on Monday, June 8, 2026. This hearing will initiate the official judicial procedures required for his extradition back to Australia.

The successful capture drew praise from the commander of the Aigio Security Department, who played a central role in coordinating the raid.

Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, on Saturday, preventing an alleged plot to detonate explosives on a cruise ship carrying Israeli tourists. The suspect is accused of being an operative for Hamas. He was apprehended in a highly classified joint operation by Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Anti-Terrorist Unit.

Intelligence officials moved quickly to detain the man just days before the targeted cruise ship was scheduled to dock in Crete on Tuesday. While the suspect reportedly claimed during interrogation that he had planned an attack but ultimately backed out, Greek authorities remain unconvinced and are treating the threat as exceptionally serious.

The connection of the Hamas associate in Greece to Cyprus

The success of the Greek investigation originated from a coordinated intelligence effort with Cyprus. Approximately two weeks ago, Cypriot authorities arrested four individuals suspected of planning strikes against Israeli interests in the European Union, allegedly motivated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

During the investigation in Cyprus, intelligence officers analyzed mobile phones belonging to the suspects. A specific phone number surfaced as a critical link, leading Greek counter-terrorism units directly to the 37-year-old in Crete.

Security services in Greece noted that the suspects in both countries received specialized training at a camp outside the Gaza Strip. This training specifically focused on manufacturing improvised explosives using chemical substances. Officials in Nicosia consider the group found in Cyprus deeply concerning, noting that two of the arrested individuals had lived in Cyprus for years and had reportedly even managed to obtain Cypriot citizenship. One of the suspects in Cyprus has already admitted to planning attacks against Israeli targets.

The suspect in Crete

The man arrested in Crete arrived in Greece approximately one year ago and filed an active asylum application. He integrated quietly into the local workforce, taking a seasonal job at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos. Local reports indicate he had no family on the island and intentionally maintained a low profile to avoid arousing suspicion.

Following his arrest on Saturday afternoon, Greek counter-terrorism officers raided his current residence in Crete, alongside a property he previously occupied in the Patissia neighborhood of Athens. Investigators confiscated several items that could be used as evidence against his plot. Among them, Greece’s anti-terrorism unit found chemical substances and laboratory measuring equipment, a number of mobile phones, laptops, and USB data storage drives, as well as bank cards and financial documents.

Law enforcement did not find assembled explosive devices or firearms during the raids. Intelligence assessments indicate the suspect was in the final stages of preparation for the plot but was intercepted before he could formally order the final explosive components.

The 37-year-old remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before a public prosecutor. Greece’s EYP and the Anti-Terrorist Unit are actively tracing his movements, communications, and potential local contacts to verify whether he operated alone within Greece.

You have probably seen the postcard of whitewashed houses gathered together overlooking the endless blue waters of the Aegean Sea countless times, and rightly so. Greece is known for its abundance of unique islands, which every summer offer visitors a chance to unwind like nowhere else in the world.

Greece has more than 6000 islands and islets under its name. Of these islands, 227 are inhabited. All of them, nevertheless, are clustered in the Greek island groups.

Each has its own character. Some reflect a unique history or influences from antiquity to the middle ages, to modernity. Others combine Greek tradition with a sophisticated atmosphere. Yet most have bewitching beaches, coastal caves and world class cuisine. Without a doubt therefore, the Greek islands are the most unique on earth.

The main Greek island groups

There are six island groups in Greece to keep in mind:

The Cyclades, the Sporades, the Ionian islands, the Dodecanese, the Saronic Islands and the North Aegean Islands.

Each of these groups is unique in character, architectural style, influences and things to do.

The most famous Greek islands are the Cyclades, known as the jewel of the Aegean Sea

The Cyclades group is in the center of the Aegean Sea and is well-known for the iconic white houses and churches with blue domes that adorn its architecture.

This island group is comprised of around 220 islands. The main ones are Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Thera or Santorini, Irakleia, Koufonisia, Schoinousa and Donousa.

The perfect way to explore the region is through ”island hopping”. That is because the islands are close together, even if distinct in character. Mykonos, for example, is a cosmopolitan island globally famous for its party vibes and modern hospitality businesses. On the other hand Tinos, only a hop, skip and jump away,  offers a religious feel. Despite the differences however, everyone who visits succumbs to the island’s peace and tranquility.

A blend of mythology and adventure

The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle (the name in English means: “circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos.

For the history and culture lovers, Delos , which is in its entirety a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living archaeological museum, with the ancient temple of Apollo well worth visiting!

The island, referred to as “the sacred island of Delos,” is where, as Greek mythology tells it, Leto gave birth to Zeus’ twins Artemis and Apollo. Mythological history has it that because of Hera’s jealousy of Zeus and Leto, she ordered all lands to shun Leto, making it difficult for her to find a place to give birth.  Zeus however asked Poseidon to find a secret, safe place for Leto to give birth. To that end, she sought out the island of Delos, where she was able to ensure the life of her twins, Artemis and Apollo.

In view of this, the small, rocky island was declared by Callimachus in the third century BC to be “the most sacred of all islands” of Ancient Greece, and was dedicated to Apollo.

One of the most popular islands of the Cyclades is Santorini. This popular destination is known for its colorful volcanic stone backdrops and its white houses and winding streets climbing the cliffs, leading you to villages and breathtaking views.

For the adventurous at heart, something you want to be sure to check out is a tour of the volcano and caldera. Another tip for those visiting is to hike the path between the main towns Fira and Oia, and of course visit the Red Sand Beach that looks like a landscape on Mars.

Much can also be said about the Cycladic cuisine, of course. The San Mihali cheese of Syros or the Naxos version of gruyere are world famous, while the fava of Santorini is a unique local delicacy, as are the mouthwatering fried tomato balls of the island. Mykonos has great sausages, while the xynotyri (sour cheese) of Ios is not to be missed.

The Sporades islands: the ”scattered” islands

The name Sporades translates to “scattered”, which can broadly be applied to all islands outside of the Cyclades. The group is in the north-east of the Aegean.

This particular group consists of 24 islands. Four – Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros – are permanently inhabited.

Vast pine forests, huge olive groves and tall cypresses cover the small islands. According to legend, the islands were formed after the brothers Otus and Ephialtes of the Titans threw rocks.

Skiathos and Skopelos: the most popular

Two of the most well-liked islands in this group are Skiathos and Skopelos.

Skiathos is only 4 miles wide and no more than 7 miles long. Still, there are over 60 beaches to explore in that small space, the most popular being Koukounaries and Lalaria. The island is easily accessible, in contrast to the others, thanks to its small airport.

Another, Skopelos, is one of the many places across Greece that have never failed to enchant visitors throughout the decades. With its hilly, verdant landscapes and sparser crowds, it is a perennial draw for travelers from all over the world.

Skopelos is full of the traditional architecture of Greece, with whitewashed houses, terracotta-tiled rooves, blue-hued shutters and wooden balconies. Among its loveliest beaches are Kastani, Stafilos, and Panormos, all easily reachable from Skopelos Town.

This stunning Greek retreat was also the setting for one of the most engaging films of the last few years, “Mamma Mia!.” The universally beloved movie, with an iconic soundtrack by the band ABBA, turned it into the fictional island of “Kalokairi” for the original film in 2008.

The Greek Islands Of The Dodecanese

The Dodecanese island group is in the south-east of the Aegean, between the Cyclades and Turkey. It consists of 165 large and small islands, of which 26 have permanent residents.

The Dodecanese serve as a bridge between the East and the West, as the islands are very close to the Turkish coast. They have long, dry summers and lots of sunlight all year round.

The major islands in the group are Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi and Tilos.

Medieval architecture, romance and history

These islands are famous for medieval architecture, as well as their blend of history and romance, which permeates their small alleys.

Rhodes is the  “medieval island” of Greece best known for its fortified port, seven gates, characteristic stag statue, and palace of the Grand Master. The Old Town lies inside ancient walls, but once outside them, you will find a more modern town which has cosmopolitan restaurants, shops, and bars.

Kos is also famous for its medieval architecture. On this island full of history, you can visit the ancient plane tree under which Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, used to teach. It is one of the oldest trees in Europe at more than 2500 years of age.

Patmos is a smaller and less busy island, though of great historical and religious importance. St John the Apostle was exiled here, and it is where he wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the final book of the Bible.

Kalymnos, Prerimos and Karpathos are paradise islands, with beautiful beaches, seaside villages and breathtaking vistas. They each offer unforgettable hiking adventures, and picturesque villages that will take visitors on a journey back in time.

Saronic islands: the most sophisticated of all Greek island groups

This Greek island group is the most accessible from Athens. Many wealthy Athenians as well as Greek and international artists prefer to visit the islands of this group. Hydra, in particular, is a famous sanctuary for poets, writers and filmmakers, including Leonard Cohen and Axel Jensen. This group consists of the islands of Aegina, Salamina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Agistri, and Dokos.

One of the best thing about them is that they’re untouched by mass international tourism. That is perhaps because places like Hydra, for example, is car-free. Everyone who visits gets around by boat, on foot or even by mule, giving you a truly old-fashioned feeling. It provides one with the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life.

Quaint alleys and 18th and 19th-century mansions typify the architecture, and the islands offer many beautiful bays and stunning beaches.

Hydra: where poets go to write

Hydra has been the most popular destination of the group since the 1960s. During that time, the island became a hub for international artists. One reason is that it combines elegance with a slow-paced lifestyle in a traditional setting. It was also the muse and longtime home of poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Without a doubt, Hydra’s port is ideal for history lovers. Many of the critical battles of the War of Independence in 1821 occurred there. In fact, scars from some battles are still visible in the architecture.

Hydra’s beaches make it a great destination for summer trips, but its natural beauty and cosmopolitan town, filled with artisans’ shops, museums, and boutiques, make it the perfect spot for a short trip throughout the year.

Similarly, Spetses attracts visitors who seek to immerse themselves in the elegant and traditional setting of the island.

Ionian islands: the tropical islands

This group consists of Corfu, Zakynthos (Zante), Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos
Kythira, ithaki (Ithaca).

Their natural setting is the main factor that makes the islands of the Ionian completely different from any of the other Greek islands. Here, the rich greenery blends harmoniously with the turquoise of the sea and the blue of the sky, creating beautiful natural scenery reminiscent of a painting.

The most photographed beaches in Greece

The beaches are characterized by limestone rock formations, sand and smooth pebbles. Visitors who have traveled extensively around the world say that the turquoise, cool, crystal-clear waters beat those of the Caribbean. While the beaches are surrounded by pine trees rather than palm trees, one could still say that these are the “tropical islands” of Greece.

The Ionian Sea’s beaches are numerous and have been photographed countless times. Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, the impressive Egremni Beach, the turquoise Porto Katsiki Beach of Lefkas, and Myrtos Beach of Kefalonia, are just some of the sandy stretches of heaven that make a holiday here unforgettable.

Yet there is more, of course. For example, the unbelievable “white” waters of Antipaxos, the lush greenery of Paxos with the little-known beaches of Ithaca that were the subject of Homer’s Ulysses. In addition, there is Marathonissi in the bay of Laganas on Zakynthos. Those are just a few of the sites that most deserve mentioning.

Strong Venetian influence

Another great characteristic of the Ionian islands is the Venetian presence in the architecture, the mellifluous speech of many locals, the musical influences, and even the food. For centuries, the islands of the Ionian belonged to the Venetians, and the western Mediterranean influence is still strong.

In terms of food, the Corfu pastitsada and sofrito are memorable dishes along with the island’s famous kumquat liqueur. Overall, all Ionian islands have cuisines influenced by their Venetian ancestors.

Corfu is one of the most famous islands, and it has a lot of history to its name. The old Corfu Town that is a World Heritage site is one of the most sophisticated towns in the Ionian island group.

Locals call the island Kerkyra, perhaps because according to mythology, it was the home of Kerkyra, the daughter of Asps, the river God. Kerkyra gave birth to Poseidon’s child, and from then, the Phaeacian race was born. Nevertheless, there is more to Corfu than mythology.  Its history and architecture are also worth discovering.

Ithaca is another island that is famous for its mythology. This is reputed to be the birthplace of Odysseus, but it also has impressive beaches.

North Aegean islands: Stunning beaches, strong local flavors

The North Aegean island group includes Thassos, Lesbos, Samos, Lemnos, Chios, Samothrace and Ikaria. They make up some of the largest islands in Greece. Many visitors skip these islands because of their distance, which helps them to retain a strong local character and tradition.

Chios, Ikaria and Samos are the most visited. Chios is popular for its unique cultivation of “Mastica” (Greek: μαστίχα) a gummy resin that seeps out of the Pistacia lentiscus tree. The island is also home to an abundance of traditional villages.

For the adventure seekers, Lemnos is  an excellent spot for hiking and biking. Worth seeing is the rugged Terran, a volcanic island which, according to legend, is the Walden belonging to Hephaestus, the God of fire.

Ikaria belongs in the Blue Zone list, a collection of spots around the world where people are said to live longer and healthier lives.

Another island worth visiting is Lesbos, in particular for fans of the popular Greek drink Ouzo, as it is the home of the spirit.

Finally, we can’t leave out Samos, a picturesque location which is ideal for history and culture lovers as it is birthplace of Pythagoras, the famous Ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician. The island is also home to many traditional taverns and provides visitors with traditional local dishes to die for.

Crete: a Greek island group on its own

Crete is Greece’s biggest island and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

There are many unique things to enjoy in Crete, from two beautiful pink-sand beaches (out of the less than twelve that exist in the world) to ancient cities, medieval castles and culinary experiences.

Crete is famous for its ancient Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos. Yet various other sites and museums also depict the island’s rich history.

The island also offers to visitors a delicious local cuisine to experience. It revolves around olive oil, special herbs and local cheeses, and grilled seafood and meat.

Heraklion, the capital of the Greek island of Crete, is an ancient city that perhaps is under-appreciated for its many attractions for the international traveler. From first-rate hotels with swimming pools and rooftop bars that look out over the city and the many villages around the ancient city, the Heraklion area has much to offer.

Perhaps best known for its stunning cathedrals, picturesque old towns, and first-class restaurants and boutiques, Crete is in the midst of the sea and at the heart of Greece’s ancient history. This was the place where the Minoan civilization flourished, and it boasts traditions that go back into time immemorial.

Europe’s oldest known civilization, which flourished on Crete between 2,700 BC and 1,450 BC, served as a trading center for gold, ceramics, and the precious spice and dye saffron.

As Greece continues to lose its manufacturing industry, becoming all the more dependent on the service sector, an urgent restart and shift to a complex economy is crucial for the country’s economic viability.

A complex economy is interconnected with other industries that are not necessarily geographically concentrated or thematically related but which share common infrastructure, resources, and solid interdependencies in production and supply chains. The Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and data-sharing are vital for the development and success of a complex economy.

A recent Bank of Greece report states that tourism in 2025 accounted for 13 percent of the country’s GDP. The government presents this as a sign of success, but, behind the numbers, there is a sad ascertainment: Greece is no longer producing goods, and almost everything other than agricultural products is imported. Substantial revenue from tourism is definitely not a bad thing. However, the average Greek does not benefit from tourism revenue. As the cost of living rises, bragging about “soaring tourism revenues” is not filling the citizen’s supermarket cart.

According to Statista and the World Bank, between 2013 and 2023, 68.6 percent of Greece’s GDP came from the service sector, while 15.2 percent of revenue stemmed from industry and 3.3 percent from agriculture. Kostas Axarloglou, the dean and a professor at Alba Graduate Business School, says the Greek industry needs a restart and transition to a complex economy. In other words, Greece needs to enter “Industry 4.0,” or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in which interconnectedness, automation, and real-time data are key.

Low labor productivity and wages

According to Axarloglou, only four percent of the Greek population is now employed in sectors related to Greece’s complex economy, which amounts to approximately only 11 percent of the value added to the country’s GDP in general. Additionally, in the Eastern Mediterranean nation, there is fragmentation into a large number of small businesses, exhibiting both low labor productivity and wages.

As per The Atlas of Economic Complexity, the industry sector in the Greek economy presents a relatively low degree of complexity in relation to GDP, an element indicative of low potential for economic growth in the future. Nonetheless, from 2018 onwards, The Atlas of Economic Complexity records positive growth in exports with the main contributors, among others, being the pharmaceutical and IT sectors.

A gradual structural transformation of the economy is also being observed, with the transfer of productive resources and activity towards manufacturing sectors with higher added value and productivity, such as electronics and machinery manufacturing. Finally, significant opportunities to strengthen and complement the country’s existing productive fabric have been recorded.

Axarloglou argues that there are both an overall low degree of complexity as well as structural problems in Greek manufacturing. The existence of companies with high levels of specialized know-how, however, provides a sufficient launching point in supporting the restarting of industry and the general production base of the country, which could lead to sustainable development in the Greek economy.

Importance of a complex economy in Greece

Axarloglou referenced the US industry and its contribution to the economy. While the manufacturing industry in the US constitutes 11 percent of GDP, it contributes 35 percent in productivity increase and 60 percent in exports. Furthermore, the complex economy in the United States is the engine of innovation, with related industry sectors producing 55 percent of patents and contributing 70 percent of total expenditure on research and development.

A recent study (Yong, 2020) analyzes the contribution of complexity in a set of economies with varying characteristics. The importance of dynamic industries in economic growth as well as the development of social capabilities and a significant contribution to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in each country’s economy were scrutinized.

Overall, the study found there is a direct impact of economic complexity on the development of specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including on poverty reduction, education, job creation, technological economic upgrading, and overall economic development. Moreover, policy interventions for manufacturing expansion are especially vital as they contribute to the development of skills in the country, triggering technological innovation and creating new markets and institutions.

Consequently, the development of a complex economy in Greece could greatly contribute to GDP and the implementation of UN SDGs. It must be mentioned that, in previous decades, manufacturing significantly lagged behind in general, but this lag has eased in recent years.

The two pillars for a complex economy

The development of a sustainable complex economy should be based on two pillars, Axarloglou argues: firstly, extroversion and internationalization and, secondly, innovation and specialization. The Greek industry would profit from participation in International Production Networks (IPNs). This is more feasible now, as these networks evolve from the impact of circular economy, digital transformation, sustainability, and new technologies such as robotics. The mechanisms and structures that would aid in the development of a complex economy are related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0.”

According to Axarloglou, Greece should also orient its manufacturing production towards the international market and within the framework of the Global Value Chain Networks (GVCN), developing even at regional levels. This would include energy networks in the southeastern Mediterranean and innovation pockets in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. In addition, market megatrends, namely digital technologies, automation-robotics, sustainability and climate change, and a circular economy, should seriously be considered as worthy endeavors.

The adoption of new technologies and digitalization of operations and processes are likewise vital. Such technologies are directly related to the internet, including the IoT, the cloud, and digital platforms and ecosystems. These lead to a greater degree of integration of production, a reduction in transaction costs and easier participation, and more effective coordination of cooperating companies from various geographical locations.

Data collection and analysis (data analytics) help in better production coordination and management within GVCNs and geographically dispersed networks. Moreover, the use of online commercial platforms (e-commerce) results in easy and direct access for producers to raw materials and semi-finished products. Large markets of potential customers are also much more readily accessible.

Sustainable development, climate change, and the circular economy

All the more, a global trend for sustainable development is affecting the structure, organization, and development of GVCNs. There is a growing need to closely monitor and control companies’ social and climate footprints and their alignment with Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities. At the same time, the imposition of rules on sustainability issues by governments directly affects the structure and operation of GVCNs since these lead to changes in transportation costs and countries’ advantageous dependence on renewable energy availability.

The necessity for sustainability and more efficient management of resources is leading to countries’ adoption of regulations for the operation of the economy and dynamic industries, and businesses are formulating business models and strategies compatible with the imperatives of the circular economy. Technological development now results in technologically and economically feasible production processes that operate within the framework of the circular economy. There is a focus on significant waste reduction, savings, and recycling / reutilization of raw materials and products.

Companies, therefore, develop business models within ecosystems based on collaboration with other companies in order to sustainably produce and deliver value. The purpose of these models and ecosystems is to effectively manage the life cycle of products and spare parts. Of course, the transition from a traditional-linear / operation-production model to a circular one mandates that companies make significant changes in the way they perceive the creation and distribution of value in the economy.

At the same time, the way in which producers in the complex economy model collect revenue is also changing. While, traditionally, income came from product sales, in the circular economy model, profits stem from product rental and other such services. This of course requires new skill development for value production more closely aligned with industrial product usage services, often the result of strategic partnerships among companies.

The circular business model, therefore, has the potential to revitalize manufacturing sectors and businesses by giving them the opportunity to develop new partnerships with companies and ecosystems within the framework of the GVCN, minimizing the burden on the environment, maintaining economic robustness, and achieving the triptych of objectives: an interconnection between the environment, society, and economy, leading to robustness.

European Union funds

The participation of the Greek complex economy in the GVCNs—and mainly in the regional GVCN—requires horizontal interventions that will establish and even improve the required structures and environment, thereby enabling Greek manufacturing to become competitive. Axarloglou argues that Greece has a great opportunity to improve its complex economy with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0.” It is a comprehensive plan of reforms and investments for the restructuring of the country’s production model within the extroversion-competitiveness-innovation axis.

The plan is based on initial funding of $35.6 billion (€31.1 billion) for the 2022-2026 period (approximately $21 billion in the form of subsidies and about $14.5 billion in the form of loans), with the prospect of drawing additional investment resources totaling $67.4 billion (€58.8 billion). The plan consists of four Pillars (and 18 sub-axes), namely green transition; digital transition; employment, skills, and social cohesion; and private investment and transformation of the economy.

Green transition emphasizes the energy transformation of the Greek economy towards renewable energy sources and a more energy-efficient operation of the economy, the more efficient use of natural resources, and the promotion of a circular economy.

The digital transition of the economy includes investment in infrastructure (optical fibers, 5G, etc.), the digital transformation of the state, and the promotion and adoption of digital technologies by businesses so that they can be interconnected in the International Production Networks (IPNs).

Employment, skills, and social cohesion includes actions to improve the functioning of the labor market, the reintegration of the unemployed into the labor market, the creation of jobs, and the reduction of inequalities, poverty, and social and economic exclusion.

Finally, private investment and economic transformation includes investments and actions to modernize public administration, strengthen the financial system, promote and support research and innovation, modernize and improve the resilience of key sectors—such as tourism and manufacturing—of the economy, and ultimately improve competitiveness and promote private investment and exports.

“Industry 4.0”

The acceleration of the “Industry 4.0” transformation program includes digital transformation as well as the development of “smart” production and a new generation of industrial parks in Greece. The promotion and support of investments for the development of new or upgraded production lines would enhance production and cooperation in GVCNs and improve competitiveness with an emphasis on advanced and digitally controlled industrial equipment, production control systems, and the establishment of industrial partnerships.

Furthermore, there should be significant structural changes to reduce bureaucracy related to business operations and simplify procedures for attracting and implementing foreign direct investment in the country. This will be possible with the implementation of horizontal actions to strengthen the Greek economy within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0.” Therefore, the “Greece 2.0” and “Industry 4.0” programs are inextricably linked to each other for the development of a productive complex economy in the country.

A series of strong earthquakes, culminating in a 5.2-magnitude tremor, rattled the Greek island of Evia (Euboea) and the greater Athens metropolitan area on Sunday afternoon. The seismic activity triggered extensive landslides across the northern part of the island of Evia, though local authorities report no injuries or significant structural damage to houses.
The initial shock, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, occurred at 12:58 p.m. local time on Sunday, June 7.

According to the automated system of the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, the epicenter was located six kilometers (4 miles) southwest of the village of Prokopi in northern Evia, with a shallow focal depth of just 14.1 kilometers.

More earthquakes followed, rattling central and southern Greece

Minutes later, a stronger 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck the same localized fault line. This second, more powerful tremor originated just two kilometers east-southeast of Prokopi at a much shallower focal depth of only five kilometers. A third notable tremor followed shortly after in the exact same region, compounding the anxiety of local residents.

All three shocks were felt prominently across the Attica region, rattling windows and disrupting the Sunday afternoon routines of millions of residents and tourists in the Greek capital.

Despite the intensity of the tremors and their shallow depth, the immediate fallout appears limited. Giannis Tsapourniotis, the mayor of Mantoudi on Evia, provided an update on the situation on the ground during a statement to the state broadcaster ERT.

“We have extensive landslides, but no injuries have been recorded,” Tsapourniotis confirmed. He specified that heavy rockfalls and landslides have primarily obstructed rural roadways in the areas of Plakia and Dafnousa. Emergency crews of the local council and local civil protection units are currently working to clear the affected traffic routes and assess any isolated impacts on village infrastructure. To date, homes and commercial businesses remain intact.

Greek seismologists tried to calm public fears regarding the consecutive tremors. Kostas Papazachos, a prominent professor of seismology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, described the events as a series of consecutive earthquakes that align with the area’s known geological profile. Northern Evia sits directly atop a complex network of active fault lines, making such localized clusters a known phenomenon.

“These seismic tremors are not a cause for concern,” Papazachos stated, offering a reassuring outlook despite acknowledging it is still early in the post-earthquake evaluation process.

The region surrounding Prokopi is highly trafficked, especially on weekends, as it is home to the widely venerated pilgrimage site of Saint John the Russian, drawing thousands of visitors from across Greece and the global diaspora. The lack of infrastructure collapse in such a populated sector of the island has brought significant relief to state authorities.
Greece ranks among the most seismically active countries globally, located at the geological boundary where the African tectonic plate pushes beneath the Eurasian plate.

While minor tremors are a daily occurrence across the nation, shallow earthquakes above a 5.0 magnitude near heavily populated zones like Attica consistently prompt rapid responses. Local authorities in Evia remain on standby for potential aftershocks over the coming days, actively advising residents and tourists to avoid driving through steep mountainous routes prone to further rockfalls.

The statement issued by Greece’s Civil Protection

“According to official reports from the Geodynamic Institute, consecutive seismic tremors measuring 4.8, 4.3, and 5.2 on the Richter scale were recorded in northern Evia. Concurrently, the General Secretariat for Natural Disaster Recovery and State Aid has been placed on high alert and is in continuous communication with local authorities to assess the situation.

Based on initial inspections currently underway in the area, reported damages include a collapsed wall in one home, minor cracks in a few residences, and small-scale landslides affecting sections of the road network. So far, no injuries or severe damages have been reported.

Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas Tournas, accompanied by the General Secretary for Natural Disaster Recovery and State Aid, Petros Kampouris, is heading to Prokopi and Dafnousa for an on-site briefing. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection continues to monitor the situation closely and will immediately take any further action if necessary.”

The Greek Ministry of Health has announced a sweeping overhaul of food guidelines for school canteens across the country. In a targeted effort to combat high rates of childhood obesity, the new regulations impose strict dietary standards, including a total ban on processed meats and soft drinks.

Set to take full effect during the 2026-2027 school and academic year, the updated framework replaces guidelines that have been in place since 2013. The policy applies to all primary, secondary, and high schools in Greece, covering canteens, dining areas, and vending machines.

Alternate Minister of Health Eirini Agapidaki introduced the initiative as a core component of the National Program for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity. The health ministry drafted the new rules based on contemporary recommendations from Greece’s National Nutrition Committee.

Under the revised regulations, school menus will undergo structural changes. Authorities have completely prohibited the sale of cold cuts and sodas. The ministry has also mandated a reduction in portion sizes for specific food items to prevent overeating.

Greece overhauls school meals entirely

The approved product list now prioritizes fresh foods and traditional Greek cuisine staples. Students will have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, fruit salads, and unsweetened dried fruits. Dairy options include plain milk, yogurt, kefir, ariani, and rice pudding, all strictly without added sugars.

Baked snacks remain available under healthier parameters. School vendors can sell the traditional Koulouri of Thessaloniki, whole-grain rusks, cereal bars, pasteli, and halva. Nuts are permitted exclusively for middle and high school students.

Sandwiches will no longer contain processed meats. They must be made with whole-wheat bread and filled with Greek cheeses, boiled chicken or turkey, egg, or tuna. Spreads are restricted to olive oil or soft margarine. Similarly, savory pies and pizzas can only contain vegetables or cheese, prepared using an olive-oil-based dough.

Beverage options will now also be tightly regulated. Canteens will stock water and natural juices. Older students can purchase plant-based milk alternatives and tea. Coffee sales are strictly restricted to teaching staff.

“The fight against childhood obesity is not a theoretical battle, but a daily act of responsibility that starts where our children spend most of their day: at school,” Agapidaki stated following the announcement.

She emphasized that the updated framework relies on rigorous scientific data. “With the new health regulation, we are radically changing the rules of the game. We are permanently removing cold cuts and soft drinks from school canteens and reducing portions, creating an environment that actively protects students,” she said.

Agapidaki urged school administrators and suppliers to begin preparations immediately to ensure full compliance. “We make no discounts on the health of the new generation,” she added, noting that the ultimate goal is to equip Greek youth with lifelong healthy eating habits.

The Messolonghi-Aitolikos Lagoons National Park in Western Greece is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional fishing, a practice deeply intertwined with the ingenuity of local communities and the sustainable management of natural resources.

This ancestral knowledge, vital to the region’s cultural identity, is now being meticulously recorded and preserved for future generations. For centuries, fishing here has been more than just a profession; it’s an art form with roots stretching back to medieval-Byzantine times and Venetian rule. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, this crucial element of the region’s heritage is being safeguarded.

Part of the history and life of our country

“The traditional fishing of the Messolonghi Lagoon is part of the history and life of our country. It is connected to the collective cultural consciousness of the inhabitants of the region and travels through the depths of time,” said Spilios Livanos, the former Minister of Rural Development and Food.

The lagoon itself is a vibrant ecosystem, a living organism teeming with rich flora and fauna. This biodiversity, which boasts 290 bird species and over 100 plant species, underpins the traditional fishing practices and exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The rich natural environment is a cornerstone of professional activity, sustainable development, and the preservation of the traditional way of fishing.

Central to the unique fishing culture of the Messolonghi-Aitolikos lagoons are the distinctive methods and tools employed. The divaria, permanent fishing traps that double as natural fish farms, are a prime example. Across the lagoon complex, there are fourteen such facilities, eight of which are traditional and strategically located where the lagoon meets the sea.

Remarkably, the placement of these traditional divaria has remained unchanged since 1826, a testament to their enduring effectiveness and the deep-rooted knowledge of the local fishermen. These wetlands are highly productive habitats, attracting a vast array of aquatic organisms that are commercially exploited by the more than seven hundred active fishermen in the lagoon today.

Beyond the stationary divaria, other key elements of this traditional know-how include the Pelades, the iconic reed houses built on stilts above the water, which serve as both homes and operational bases for fishermen. The gaites, unique flat-bottomed wooden boats, are essential for navigating the shallow waters of the lagoon and are built using specific types of wood, reflecting a deep understanding of local resources.

Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is the most famous fish species caught in these waters. This species is particularly important, as its roe is used to produce the famous Avgotaracho of Messolonghi, a protected designation of origin (PDO) delicacy.

Preserving traditional fishing in Greece’s lagoons

Despite the demanding conditions, generations of fishermen continue this tradition, making it an integral part of their historical and cultural heritage. This resilience was even a crucial factor in the survival of the people of Messolonghi during the city’s historic siege.

The rich tapestry of traditional fishing knowledge encompasses a wide range of skills: from constructing buildings and utilitarian objects to identifying suitable wood for boat building and crafting fishing tools like longlines, harpoons, and stafnokari (a type of net). These permanent installations (divaria) and mobile means (boats, gaites), along with the tools, collectively form a cultural heritage that continues to sustain the inhabitants of the region.

In 2022, the traditional fishing practices of the Messolonghi-Aitolikos Lagoons were included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.

Related: Treasure From the Sea: The Salt Flats of Messolonghi

In a time and place that offered few career opportunities for women, the job of the priestess of Apollo at the Oracle of Delphi stands out. Her position was at the centre of one of the most powerful religious institutions of ancient Greece. The competing Greek city states had few overarching authorities (political or otherwise), so the significance of her voice should not be underestimated.

Indeed, there is some evidence to suggest that the priestess Pythia was at the core of what we today call a “knowledge economy.” Her role may well have involved the gathering, re-packaging, and distribution of information, with the ultimate intent of providing sound advice on the trivial and not-so-trivial questions of life in ancient Greece.

The “Pythia” is the official job title. We know of several women by name who, during the long history of this institution (from ca. 800 BC to AD 390/91), held that role, including Phemonoe and Aristonike. Indeed, at some stage, Delphi became so busy that three Pythias were appointed to serve in the role simultaneously.

The oracle was consulted by the movers and shakers of ancient Greece on a diverse range of problems. For the priestess Pythia, this meant the opportunity to comment on a variety of issues of public and individual concern: cult matters, warfare, the relationships between existing city-states, and the foundation of new ones.

Numerous personal questions were also put to the oracle on matters of lovesickness, career advice, childbirth, and how to get offspring. So, by all standards, this job was demanding yet also diverse and rewarding—a position powerful enough to change the course of history.

Yet, right from the beginning, efforts to deprive the priestess of her power prevailed, particularly in older classical scholarship. Surely a woman, especially one in such a paternalistic society as ancient Greece, could not hold that powerful a position?

Some scholars suggested that the Pythia actually babbled unintelligible gibberish and that her words were later put into beautiful, deep, and meaningful hexameter verse—by male priests.

Yet, in our ancient sources, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that it was anyone other than the Pythia herself who came up with the responses. On the contrary, she is regularly named as the one and only source of the prophecies delivered at the Oracle of Delphi. There is no word of male priests beyond those in purely administrative and assisting roles.

Insult by oracle

The position of the Pythia seemed to have entailed the extraordinary opportunity to speak unwelcome truth to those in power.

A Spartan once approached the oracle with the intention of being confirmed as the wisest man in the world. In response to this question, the Pythia named another person who was wiser.

In about 700 BC, the Greek city of Megara allegedly asked the Pythia which the best of all Greek cities were, hoping to be named first. The Pythia mentioned two better cities, concluding with the line, “[Y]ou, o Megarians, [are] neither third nor fourth.” Surely, the Megarians did not see that coming!

Cleisthenes, meanwhile, the famous tyrant of Sicyon, asked whether he should remove the cult of the hero Adrastus from the city. He received an oracle that came straight to the point: “Adrastus is king of Sicyon, and you but a common slayer.”

This kind of reality check and straight talk would certainly have upset those with egos accustomed to flattery and agreement.

Of course, it is not always possible to tell whether these and other responses of the oracle were authentic or whether the whole incident was part of later historiographic lore. Yet, whatever the case: the fact is that it was a woman who was attributed such a sharp, judgmental voice.

And her voice proved extraordinarily unimpeachable. The Greeks thought that it was the god Apollo who conveyed his superior divine knowledge through the mouth of the Pythia, so the priestess herself was largely beyond reproach. While itinerant seers, augurs, and oracle mongers feature in classical literature as corrupt and unreliable, the position of the Pythia seems to have withstood all criticism.

The job and its challenges

Being a Pythia was not always easy. Several ancient enquirers sought to influence the kind of answer they hoped to get from the oracle. Subtle manipulation in how the questions were put, not-so-subtle bribery, and even an attempt to force the oracle to deliver responses on a non-auspicious day are all on record, as are complaints about unfathomable responses.

For instance the Greek historian, philosopher, soldier, and horse whisperer, Xenophon, allegedly enquired at Delphi to which deity he should sacrifice and pray so that the military expedition he was about to join would be a success. He was later reprimanded by the philosopher Socrates for having posed a manipulative question. Socrates felt he should have asked whether it would be a success, rather than how.

Cleisthenes was said to have bribed the Pythia to deliver the same response to all Spartan requests at the oracle, no matter the question: to free Athens from the rule of tyrants.

And after a series of spectacular mishaps based on misread oracles, the Lydian king Croesus complained at the Delphic Oracle about having been misled. The Pythia responded that he himself was to blame for his misfortune, as he should have interpreted the Pythia’s words correctly.

We also know of several instances in which the Pythia outright refused to respond to a question that, in one way or another, seemed unreasonable.

Job requirements

What did it take to become the Pythia? Was she a local girl from a neighboring village? Was any kind of training provided to candidates? Or were they thrown in the deep end?

Unfortunately, the ancient sources are silent. The Nobel prize-winning author William Golding in his (posthumously published) last novel, The Double Tongue, written from the perspective of a Pythia, sees her as a local girl who was unable to get herself married and so took on that role.

Yet again, this sounds like speculation designed to downplay the position.

The kind of skills required to be successful in the role are easier to reconstruct. The sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi served as a marketplace for representatives from all over ancient Greece (and beyond) who came for a variety of reasons.

In addition to the oracle, the sanctuary housed regular athletic competitions (the so-called Pythian Games, analogous to the more famous Olympic Games). With its numerous temples and monuments, the site was also a popular tourist destination. All these activities together served to establish a busy hub, where information, news, and gossip of all kinds would have circulated freely.

Perhaps the key to the Pythia’s success was simply to listen closely? There is good evidence to suggest that the fantastic tales of prediction and fulfilment are a matter of the (later) historiographic tradition and that it was mostly quite straightforward questions of everyday life that were put to the Pythia for comment, along the lines suggested by the ancient author Plutarch, who was also a priest at Delphi: Will I win? Shall I marry? Is it a good idea to sail the sea? Shall I take up farming? Shall I go abroad?

If this was indeed the case, it would, more often than not, have been possible to glean the information necessary to answer any particular enquiry from the chatter of those queuing to consult the oracle, to watch or participate in the games, or to take in the monuments. The Pythia may have trailblazed the knowledge economy millennia before the arrival of “big data” and the invention of the internet.

By Julia Kindt

Julia Kindt is a Professor, Department of Classics and Ancient History, University of Sydney. The article was published at The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons License.

Greece recorded one of the lowest rates of young people leaving education and training early in the European Union in 2025, ranking second among all 27 member states for keeping young people in education, according to new data from Eurostat.

The country posted a rate of 3.0%, trailing only Croatia, which reported the lowest share in the EU at 2.1%. Ireland placed third at 3.6%.

Greece’s standing reflects consistent progress over the past decade. In 2015, the country’s rate stood at 7.9%. Over ten years, it fell to 3.0%, a drop of nearly 5 percentage points.

Eurostat defines “early school leavers” as young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who exit education and training before completing upper secondary or higher-level studies. The data measures this group as a share of the total population in that age range.

Greece’s decade-long push keeps young people in education

The EU-wide average stood at 9.1% in 2025, just above the bloc’s own target of bringing that figure below 9.0% by 2030. The rate has declined steadily from 11.0% in 2015. Nineteen of the 27 EU member states reported a lower rate in 2025 compared to 2015, and 17 have already met the 2030 target.

In 2025, the share of early school leavers (young people aged 18-24 leaving early from education and training) in the EU was 9.1%.

Lowest shares in:
Croatia (2.1%)
Greece (3.0%)

Highest shares in:
Romania (15.5%)
Germany (13.1%)

Read more https://t.co/a38jnlr9Wy pic.twitter.com/ukb0aojNRK

— EU_Eurostat (@EU_Eurostat) June 4, 2026

Among countries that improved the most since 2015, Malta led with a drop of 7.7 percentage points. Portugal followed with a decrease of 7.4 percentage points, and Spain dropped by 7.2 percentage points.

Not all countries moved in the right direction. Seven EU member states reported higher rates in 2025 than in 2015. Cyprus saw the biggest rise, climbing 4.6 percentage points over the decade.

Germany increased by 3.0 percentage points, and Austria rose by 2.7 percentage points. Romania posted the highest rate in the EU in 2025 at 15.5%, followed by Germany at 13.1% and Spain at 12.8%.

Men across the EU still quit school earlier than women

A gap between men and women remained consistent across the EU. More young men left education early than women, though both groups showed improvement. The rate for men fell from 12.5% in 2015 to 10.6% in 2025. For women, the figure dropped from 9.4% to 7.5% over the same period.

Greece’s rate of retaining young people in education has improved in nearly every year over the past decade, placing it firmly among the EU’s strongest performers on this measure.

Ancient Greek scientist Erasistratus (300-250 B.C.) is credited with being among the first human lie detectors. He devised a specific technique to read a person’s physical response so as to spot when an individual was lying.

While in Alexandria, Egypt, he is said to have proven Prince Antiochus was desperately in love with his father’s new wife, Stratonice. He noted how his pulse increased significantly whenever the queen’s name was mentioned, despite his insistence that he did not have the hots for his stepmother.

Love-struck, he fell ill with passion and chose to pine away in silence. The physicians were unable to discover the cause and nature of his disease.

Erasistratus himself was at a loss at first, until, finding nothing amiss about his body, he began to suspect that it must be the man’s mind that was diseased and that he might perhaps be in love.

Erasistratus confirmed his conjecture when he observed that the skin of Antiochus grew hotter, his color deeper, and his pulse quicker whenever Stratonice came near him, while none of these symptoms occurred on any other occasion.

The Greek physician eventually told the father, King Seleucus, that his son’s disease was incurable, for he was in love with the monarch’s wife and that he chose to die rather than to disclose his secret.

According to the anecdote, Seleucus not only gave up Stratonice, but also resigned to his son several provinces of his empire.

Erasistratus founded school of anatomy in Alexandria

Erasistratus, along with fellow physician Herophilus, founded a school of anatomy in Alexandria where they carried out anatomical research.

He is credited for his description of the valves of the heart. He also concluded that the heart was not the center of sensations. Instead, he said, it functioned as a pump. He was among the first to distinguish between veins and arteries, believing that arteries were full of air and carried the “animal spirit” (pneuma).

Together with Herophilus, he is credited by historians as the potential founder of neuroscience due to his acknowledgment of nerves and their roles in motor control through the brain and skeletal muscles.

Furthermore, Erasistratus is seen as one of the first physicians/scientists to conduct recorded dissections and potential vivisections alongside Herophilus.

The two physicians were said by several Roman authors, notably, Augustine, Celsus, and Tertullian, to have performed controversial vivisections on criminals to study the anatomy and possible physiology of human organs while they were in Alexandria.

Related: Ancient Library of Alexandria One of Greatest Treasures of Mankind